Characterization of phenolic compounds in flowers of wild medicinal plants from Northeastern Portugal

Abstract

Crataegus monogyna, Cytisus multiflorus, Malva sylvestris and Sambucus nigra have been used as important medicinal plants in the Iberian Peninsula since a long time ago, and are claimed to have various health benefits. This study aimed to determine the phenolic profile and composition of wild medicinal flowers of those species. The analysis was performed by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. Flavonoids, and particularly flavonols and flavones, were the main groups in almost all the studied samples. C. multiflorus sample gave the highest levels of total flavonoids (54.5 mg/g dw), being a chrysin derivative the most abundant flavone found (22.3 mg/g dw). C. monogyna revealed the highest concentration in phenolic acids (5.5 mg/g dw) that were not found in C. multiflorus sample; 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid found in the first species, being a procyanidin trimer also found (1.4 mg/g dw). Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (0.84 mg/g dw) and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (14.9 mg/g dw) were the main flavonols present in M. sylvestris and S. nigra, respectively. Due to the well established antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds, the studied wild medicinal flowers could be selected for processing extracts with health-promoting properties or to be incorporate into functional beverages or products with bioactive properties related to oxidative stress.

Exploring the antioxidant potential of Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench phenolic compounds for cosmetic applications: Chemical characterization, microencapsulation and incorporation into a moisturizer

“…, ~70% base peak). These peaks (9 and 11) were identified as cis and trans 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, respectively, based on the elution order described in a previous study (Barros et al, 2012). Peak 13 was assigned to 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid since its fragmentation was identical to that previously reported by Clifford et al (2005).…”

Bioactivity and phytochemical characterization of Arenaria montana L.

“…Phenolic compounds were determined by HPLC (Hewlett-Packard 1100, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) as previously described by the authors. 25 Double online detection was carried out using a DAD at 280 nm and 370 nm as preferred wavelengths and using a mass spectrometer (API 3200 Qtrap, Applied Biosystems, Darmstadt, Germany) connected to the HPLC system via the DAD cell outlet. The phenolic compounds were characterized according to their UV and mass spectra and retention times, and comparison with authentic standards when available.…”

Scientific validation of synergistic antioxidant effects in commercialised mixtures of Cymbopogon citratus and Pterospartum tridentatum or Gomphrena globosa for infusions preparation

“…Otherwise, compound 2a Cc , corresponding to the cis isomer of caffeic acid, was only detected in the infusion due to the heat treatment applied. The identity of that compound was established based on the observation that hydroxycinnamoyl cis derivatives are expected to elute before the corresponding trans ones, as previously checked in our laboratory (Barros, Dueñas, Carvalho, Ferreira & Santos-Buelga, 2012). Flavonoids were also the major group found in the infusion of C. citatus, being luteolin 2''-O-deoxyhexosyl-6-Chexoside (peak 6 Cc , 13.12 µg/g dw) the main compound ( Table 3).…”